An easy and quick way to prevent over-active sweating under-the-arms, Botox for hyperhidrosis (over-active sweat-glands) can provide dryness for up to 5-months!
Botulinum toxin type A, commonly known as Botox, is an injectable treatment widely used for cosmetic purposes. However, Botox has been FDA-approved for the treatment of excessive under-arm sweating since 2004.
It is important to note that although this treatment is extremely effective, it is not permanent. To maintain maximum results, upkeep will be needed every 6 to 8-months.
When is Botox considered a good option for under-arm sweating?
Botox is usually considered when topical treatments such as antiperspirants, and medications have been unsuccessful. (Botox is only safe when effective in treating small areas and is therefore not a viable option for treating generalized hyperhidrosis.) Excessive sweating can have a debilitating effect on a person’s confidence and mental state, not to mention clothing. If your sweating has become an issue that is effecting your quality of life, this is a treatment you should definitely look into.
How does Botox treat sweat-glands?
In order to produce sweat, a chemical messenger is sent to the nerves that meet your sweat glands, turning them On.
Botox prevents this situation by blocking the chemical messenger from reaching the sweat gland. Without the chemical message, the treated glands cannot produce sweat.
As your body metabolizes the Botox, your sweating will eventually return to normal. (Usually, in about 6-12 months.)
Does it really work?
Yes! It’s been FDA-approved in the United States for over 10-years, and medical studies and patient testimonials have confirmed that Botox reduces sweating and improves lifestyle. (On RealSelf.com, as of 4/22/15, the treatment nationally had a 100% approval rating.)
However, Botox is not a permanent cure for hyperhidrosis. As the Botox wears off, your sweating will slowly return. It is recommended to receive touch-up treatments as needed in order to maximize the longevity of your results.
What is the treatment like?
Ideally, you should arrive for your appointment with freshly-shaven under-arms.
You will have a consultation before the treatment so that we can determine exactly where your sweating occurs at its worst. ?Your under-arms will be thoroughly cleansed to sterilize the area before any injections are given, and a topical numbing cream might be administered. (Numbing cream is not wholly necessary, but can be used for patients who are extra sensitive or nervous about the treatment.)
Finally, you will be injected with a very fine needle which will introduce the Botox to the targeted area. Each armpit will receive around fifteen injections, and the entire process takes approximately 30-45 minutes. (In some cases, a washable grid will be placed onto the armpit to help mark where each injection should occur.)
The image at left shows what the area will look like immediately after treament. (Photo courtesy of cosmedocs.co.uk)
How long until I see results?
It can take up to a week for the Botox to start working properly. Many people may notice results sooner than that, but it is important not to expect a miraculous sweat disappearance right away.
Is there downtime with a hyperhidrosis treatment?
In most cases, there is no downtime from Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis. As with any Botox treatment, you should not massage nor apply pressure to the treated area. Additionally, for the first few hours after your injections, you should try to avoid strenuous activity. The treatment site may be a little sore and small bruises can form, but these symptoms will go away within a day or two.
Some patients may experience initial muscle weakness with this treatment, but that also goes away quickly.
Occasionally, this Botox treatment can cause flu-like symptoms, tiredness, or arm and neck aches. These symptoms are rare, and temporary, if any of these issues should disappear in a few days.
There are no severely uncomfortable sensations or effects which would affect your daily life, and complications are rare.
Can I use/recieve Brilliant Distinction point for this kind of Botox treatment?
Of course!
Are there patients who should NOT have this treatment?
Anyone who is pregnant or breast-feeding should not receive this treatment. For those with muscle or nerve disorders, neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, we would need to contact your other physicians to determine whether this option is safe for you or not.
* Please note that individual results may vary.